Singapore/Amsterdam – 9 December, 2014 – First Data, the global leader in payments technology for the financial services industry, and GlobalCollect, part of Ingenico Group and the world’s most knowledgeable payment service provider, today announced the extension of a strategic alliance that will help customers expand into Asia’s rapidly growing eCommerce markets of Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

First Data Merchant Solutions, First Data’s direct-to-market merchant acquiring business, which already has a strong presence in Asia Pacific, will support GlobalCollect’s growth in online travel, hospitality and retail operations into Asia, one of the world’s fastest growing markets for eCommerce revenues.

Mr. Marc Mathenz, Senior Vice President and Head of First Data in APAC, said that the collaborative relationship will provide GlobalCollect’s merchant customers with access to First Data Merchant Solutions’ regional payment network, enabling fast, secure and reliable transactions throughout Asia.

Singapore and Malaysia represent the largest eCommerce industries of South East Asia, generating almost 50 per cent of total online retail sales in the region, despite these two countries accounting for only 8 per cent of the South East Asian population.1eCommerce volume in Singapore alone is expected to reach $4.4 billion by 2015.

“First Data Merchant Solutions and GlobalCollect both have strong capabilities in payments, and together can offer travel, hospitality and retail industries a full suite of products and services, combined with First Data’s strong, robust and scalable platform,” said Mr. Mathenz.

Mark Patrick, General Manager Asia Pacific for GlobalCollect, said the company was pleased to extend its relationship with First Data into Asia.

“This deal broadens an already global partnership between GlobalCollect and First Data that goes back eight years, and further strengthens GlobalCollect’s capabilities in South East Asia. We’re seeing a lot of demand for full service acquiring and processing capabilities in Asia Pacific, and with First Data Merchant Solutions’ strong position in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, we will further enhance our customers’ opportunities to grow into this exciting region,” said Mr. Patrick.

First Data is a global technology leader in the financial services industry. With 24,000 employee-owners and operations in 35 countries, the company provides secure and innovative payment technology and services to more than six million merchants and financial institutions around the world, from small businesses to the world’s largest corporations. Today, businesses in nearly 70 countries trust First Data to secure and process more than 2,000 financial transactions per second, totaling $1.8 trillion a year. First Data’s unparalleled infrastructure, scale and partnerships go “beyond the transaction” with next-generation point-of-sale technology fueled by powerful analytics to detect fraud, gain insights into consumer spending, and strengthen customer loyalty. All day, every day, First Data helps its clients thrive in the evolving world of commerce.

About GlobalCollect

GlobalCollect, part of Ingenico Group (Euronext: FR0000125346 - ING), is the most knowledgeable global Payment Service Provider in the world. The company processes international eCommerce payments for more than 600 of the world’s most recognized eCommerce brands in the digital goods and services, travel, retail and video gaming industries, among many others.

With two decades of payments experience, we enable our clients to efficiently and securely accept payments from more than 170 countries in more than 150 currencies. We offer in excess of 150 local payment methods, including all major credit cards, debit cards and alternative payment methods, giving unparalleled coverage throughout all global regions. Our robust and redundant systems guarantee our customers high availability and reliability. GlobalCollect’s business intelligence tools, Managed Fraud Services and more than 400 payments experts help our clients elevate their payment strategies to become a strategic asset to their companies.

GlobalCollect is a 100% subsidiary of Ingenico Group, global leader in seamless payment. Headquartered in Amsterdam, GlobalCollect has regional offices in North America, Asia Pacific, South America and the EU focused on bringing local presence with global reach and services to our clients. For more information please visit: http://www.globalcollect.com or http://www.ingenico.com